John William Slayton Sr.

John William Slayton, Sr., died on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Salem, Virginia. His death resulted from complications after a fall he suffered on Saturday, November 29th. He was 90 years old. He was born on July 31, 1918 in Penhook, Virginia. His father was Joe Willis Slayton and his mother was Dollie Alice LaPrade Slayton. He graduated from Martinsville High School in 1935 and Danville Military Academy in 1938. Mr. Slayton enlisted in the US Army Air Corps on September 2, 1941 and retired from the US Air Force on July 20, 1964 as a Chief Master Sergeant. He was on inactive reserve from 1948 until 1950 when he graduated from Roanoke College. After retiring from the Air Force he taught English at both Patrick Henry and Jefferson High Schools. Mr. Slayton is survived by his sons, John William Slayton, Jr. and Jeffery Moss Slayton. John Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth Brightwell Slayton, reside in Penhook, Virginia and Jeff and his wife, Anne Noris, reside in Bellevue, Washington. Mr. Slayton is also survived by his grandchildren, John W. Slayton, III and Emma Slayton; and his great-grandchildren, Madison and Zachary Slayton. In addition to his parents, Mr. Slayton was predeceased by his first wife, Rubye Snead Nixon, his second wife of 60 years, Jane Wygal Slayton, and his son, James Joseph Slayton. There will be no public visitation or service. However, donations in his name may be made to the VA Medical Center at 1970 Roanoke Boulevard in Salem, Virginia 24153. Online condolences may be made to the family at johnmoakey.com.